Kirkheaton rector’s £10 scheme raises thousands of pounds for church

IT started with a £10 note and an imaginative rector.

The Rev Richard Steel, of Kirkheaton Parish Church, had long wanted to try out an idea he had come across years ago.

Last November he told his parishioners about Jesus’s famous Parable of the Talents.

He gave 55 of them £10 notes, encouraging them to use the money to create more towards a massive restoration scheme at the church.

The idea took off beyond his wildest dreams with people donating money from Canada, the US and Australia.

Media interest also fuelled the giving flame with the Rev Steel asked to explain his scheme to the BBC’s famed inquisitor, John Humphreys on the Today programme.

At the church’s Easter service yesterday, the money-making plan came to a climax, several thousand pounds in profit.

Dozens of participants flocked to the front of church to hand over their takings. They managed to boost the church’s money twenty-fold, turning £550 into just about £10,000.

Parishioners did everything. One woman baked hundreds of chocolate truffles realising nearly £300 while another knitted trendy scarves.

Another person gave up a day’s wages.

One ‘cheeky’ parishioner even gave the Rev Steel £10 to use.

The Rev Steel said he had been “bowled over” by the reaction from across the country with £2,000 given from well-wishers from as far afield as Essex, Herefordshire and Cornwall.

“People have been absolutely wonderful in the time, effort and creativity they have showed,” he said.

“It has not just been church members either.

“Several members of the local community have done things and there has been the encouragement of gifts from around the country and, indeed, the world.

“They have worked so hard and involved many family and friends in enjoying the results of what they have done.

“I had hoped for a few thousand pounds and that people would have some fun along the way.

“They have certainly had fun and brought in far more than I was expecting, even at my most optimistic.

“This has been a real boost for people, and shown the life that is in our church.”

The cash will be put towards the church’s massive £½m revamp project which parishioners have raised more than £300,000 towards.

The internal refurbishment includes installing a new floor, new heating system, kitchen and toilets, office, as well as entailing a complete re-decoration and replacing the pews with chairs.